An agreement

An agreement
Hera POV

“She looks so happy and peaceful,” I add, my eyes watering from the sight before me. Seeing Lily happy makes me happy too.

“Yeah. I hope she can always be this happy,” Mason replies from beside me. Our wishes are the same.

Lily has been through so much at her young age. She doesn't deserve any of the things that have been happening to her.

First, her mother left while she was small. She grew up without motherly love and when Linda came back into her life, it was with a purpose.

Her schemes interrupted Lily's life. Let's not even talk about how she plotted with Finn and had Lily held hostage.

Then came Helena who didn't care that she was a child and dragged her into adult schemes. I always count myself unlucky for having an unhappy childhood. Looking at Lily, I have no reason to complain. I had my father doting on me before he became too lazy to breathe.

Although my mother and sister never liked me, at least they never put me in danger. That leaves me with a question: how can we call ourselves parents if we cannot keep our child safe?

Mason turns to me, his eyes soft but determined. “I’ll make sure Lily stays happy like this. I’ll do everything in my power to protect her smile. No more pain for her, not if I can stop it.”

I smile, feeling a warmth spread in my chest. His words touch me deep, because I know he means them. Mason’s always been the type to fight for what he loves. “I trust you,” I say, my voice quiet but sure. “You’re a good dad. The best she could have.”

He smiles back, that crooked grin that makes my heart skip. Then out of the blue, he pulls me into a hug wrapping his strong arms around me. I melt into him, breathing in his familiar scent that always leaves me intoxicated.

He pecks my lips softly, making my skin tingle. “You look beautiful in that dress,” Mason whispers, his breath warm against my ear. “You should wear them more often. It suits you.”

I pull back a little, teasing him with a raised eyebrow. “Oh? So I don’t look beautiful in my casual leather and jeans? Is that what you’re saying?”

He chuckles, his hands still on my waist. “Nah, everything looks good on you, Hera. You could wear a potato sack and I’d still think you’re the most stunning woman alive. But the dress? It’s exceptionally beautiful on you. It makes your eyes pop.”

I blush, heat rising to my cheeks. I was never used to hearing stuff like that, until I met him.

It makes me feel seen, loved in a way that’s simple and real. “Flatterer,” I mutter, but I can’t stop smiling.

In that moment of peaceful silence, I remember something.

“Have you taken care of Helena?”

He chuckles again, shaking his head like I’ve caught him in a secret. “How did you know? Are you reading my mind now?”

I shrug, a small smile on my lips. “You’re my man. I know you the best. You had that aura around you when you left, like you were on a mission.”

Mason nods, his expression turning serious but with a hint of satisfaction. “Yeah, I took care of it. But I didn’t do it myself. I let someone else handle the dirty work.”

I tilt my head, curious. “Who? What did you do?”

He grins, that mischievous spark in his eyes. “Justin helped me trace Fiona’s father. Turns out he is some big-shot married guy with deep pockets. We contacted his wife, sent her all the details of the affair with proof. She is from a mafia family, Hera. It didn't take long for her to fly in and deal with Helena personally.”

My eyes widen and I can’t help but laugh in surprise. That was a clever move.

“You’re calculative as hell. She is probably regretting everything right now.”

He shrugs, still grinning. “Fiona is safe though. I made sure of that. But Helena? If she escapes death, she might never be normal again. That woman’s fury was something else.”

I laugh again, shaking my head in admiration. “Smart move. No blood on your hands.”

“Exactly,” he says, his voice lowering. “Figured it out clean. No traces back to us.”

I nod, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. Helena’s been a thorn for too long, twisting things with her betrayal. Knowing she’s out of the picture makes the world feel a little safer for Lily.

“Tonight, you should come with me to the clubhouse. I’ve got an announcement to make.”

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “What kind of announcement? Spill it.”

He shakes his head, that grin turning playful. “Nah, you’ll see. It’s a surprise.”

“Come on, Mason,” I push, nudging his arm. “Give me a hint.”

“Nope,” he says firmly, but his eyes sparkle. “Trust me on this one.”

I sigh, pretending to be annoyed, but inside, I’m excited. Whatever it is, if it’s from him, it’ll be good. “Fine. But it better be worth it.”

He laughs, pulling me close again for a quick kiss on my forehead. “It will be.” Then he turns and heads into the house, his steps light for a man who’s carried so much weight.

I follow him inside. Lily spots me right away and her little face lights up. She drops her crayon, scrambling up from the rug. She rushes over, her small arms wrapping around my legs in a tight hug. I laugh, bending down to scoop her up. She’s light in my arms, her head resting on my shoulder. Her familiar sweet body scent floods my nostrils, calming me.

“Hey, princess,” I whisper, kissing her cheek. “Having fun with Aunt Nyx?”

She nods against me, still quiet, but her eyes are bright. No words yet, but the way she clings tells me everything. She’s okay, healing in her own way.

Nyx stands up from the rug, brushing off her knees with a smile. “She’s been a good girl all day. Drew me a whole zoo of unicorns. Talented kid.”

I grin at her, grateful. Nyx has been a rock through all this, stepping in without a second thought. “Thanks for watching her. You’re a lifesaver.”

She waves it off. “Anytime. She’s family.” Then she glances at Mason. “You two need some time alone? I can stick around if you want.” Nyx asks, wriggling her brows playfully.

Mason shakes his head, pulling Nyx into a quick side hug. “Nah, we got it. But you should come to the clubhouse tonight. I have something to announce.”

Nyx raises an eyebrow, just like I did. “Big news? Spill it, bro.”

He laughs. “Not yet. You’ll hear it with everyone.”

She rolls her eyes but smiles. “Fine, keep your secrets.” She grabs her jacket from the chair and heads out, waving over her shoulder. “See you later, then.”

The door clicks shut, leaving the three of us. Mason kneels down to Lily’s level, but she’s still in my arms, content. “Hey, kiddo. Daddy missed you.”

She reaches out a hand to touch his face, her fingers gentle on his stubble. It’s a sweet moment for them.

I clear my throat softly. “I’ll take Lily upstairs for a bath.

“ You can catch up after.”

Mason nods, standing up. “Sounds good. I’ll make some snacks or something.”

I carry Lily up the stairs, her head bouncing lightly on my shoulder.

Inside the bathroom, I set her down on the mat and start the water, testing it with my hand.

She watches me, her eyes curious but still quiet. I help her out of her clothes, chatting softly to fill the silence. When ready for a bath, she steps into the tub with a small splash. I pour bubbles in, watching them foam up white and fluffy. She swirls her hands in them, a tiny smile peeking out. My heart swells, seeing her like this.

After everything, this feels like a win. I wash her hair gently, fingers massaging her scalp, rinsing careful so no soap gets in her eyes. “You’re safe now, baby. No more bad days. Just good ones, okay?”

She looks up at me, water dripping from her lashes, and nods again. Still no words, but it’s progress. I wrap her in a big towel after drying her off with pats. “Let’s get you in pajamas. Comfy ones with the stars.”

Down the hall to her room, I pick out the soft ones—blue with little white stars. She slips them on, then climbs onto her bed, grabbing her stuffed bear. I sit beside her, brushing her damp hair. “You’re my brave girl. I love you so much.”

A small sound escapes her—a hum, almost like agreement. It’s enough to make my eyes water again. She’s healing, slow but sure.

My phone dings in my pocket, a sharp buzz that startles me. I pull it out, glancing at the screen. The message pops up, and as I read it, my lips curl into a smile—slow, satisfied. “He is even resisting death. What a stubborn man,” I whisper.